Ruben Amorim has dismissed Roy Keane’s criticism of Bruno Fernandes, insisting his opinion of the Manchester United captain is “more important” than the pundit’s.
Keane hit out at Fernandes’ leadership at United, claiming “talent’s not enough” and that the midfielder was is “not a fighter”, as he made it clear he felt the 30-year-old should not be wearing the armband.
Fernandes has played a key role in United coming from behind against Everton and Ipswich in recent weeks, and he leads the way for the club in both goals and assists this season.
Asked about Keane’s comments at his press conference of United’s FA Cup fifth-round match at home to Fulham, Amorim emphasised Fernandes’ influence on the team.
“I heard about that but I have a different opinion,” Amorim said. “Bruno is really important for us in the club, especially for me, he is playing well in a difficult context, he wants always the responsibility.
“I know as a captain he does things sometimes with his arms, criticising the team-mates. Most of all it is a bit of frustration.
“Roy Keane has big standards from his time. I think my opinion is more important than Roy Keane because I am the coach.”
Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Ian Wright suggested that Fernandes had saved United from suffering an even worse criticism, which sparked a passionate rant from Keane.
"Save us? They're 15th in the league and he's saving them? Praise the lord," Keane said.
"You have to have a starting point. I go back to it all - talent is not enough. Bruno's a talented player, but talent's not enough."
He added: "You talk to me [about] who you were in a dressing room with. 'Tony Adams was this', 'Tony Adams was that'. Yeah, because he was a fighter. Bruno's not a fighter.
"You've got young players. You have to look at somebody and go 'I like what he does'.
"They all can't put the ball in the top of the net from 25 yards, I get that. But you want someone who is going 'lads, are you with me?"'
